Premier Play

For related concepts, see Premier.

Premier Play pyramid

Tabletop Premier Play for Magic: The Gathering is a concept introduced in the 2022–23 Pro Tour Season. It signified a return to tabletop play post-COVID-19 pandemic and post-Magic esports. Premier Play represents the four highest levels of Organized Play, a competitive road towards the World Championship.

Description

Premier Play was introduced under the leadership of William Jensen.

Everyone with any level of experience can try their hand at this qualification path. Local qualifiers are open to everyone (subject to eligibility requirements), and you advance to the next level by winning matches of Magic. As yet, there is no place in Premier Play for the return of Grand Prix.

Tabletop

There are four levels of tabletop play, culminating in the World Championship.

• Regional Championship Qualifiers — largely held at the WPN store level and are organized by regional tournament organizers.
• Regional Championships — big events in (inter)national regions. Run by the same groups who organize the local qualifiers.
• Pro Tours — Three times a year, qualifiers from the Regional Championships will gather to compete for their share of $500,000 in prizes and invites to the World Championship. Hosted by Wizards of the Coast
• World Championship — Around 128 players will compete for their share of $1,000,000.

Digital play

Additionally, players will also be able to qualify through digital play on Magic: The Gathering Arena and Magic: The Gathering Online.

• Events on both platforms will feed tabletop events at nearly every level, including the World Championship.
• Magic: The Gathering Arena Qualifier Weekends will continue, with some exciting twists.
  • MTG Arena will include new ways to qualify for Qualifier Weekends besides ladder play.
• Magic: The Gathering Online Showcase (MOCS) events will continue and will feed the World Championship directly.